Mike D’Antoni Talks Kobe Bryant’s Status

We have two weeks before the regular season kicks off for the 2013-14 NBA season, which means we have two more weeks of discussing whether or not Kobe Bryant will be able to play for the Los Angeles Lakers on opening night against the Los Angeles Clippers. Until that night in which he doesn’t suit up (most likely), we’re still going to have reporters asking Bryant, the team, and members of the organization what the likelihood is of their star player being able to compete in the first game.

After the Lakers’ preseason game against the Golden State Warriors in China on Tuesday, a reporter asked coach Mike D’Antoni in the press conference about the chances of Bryant being able to play October 29 against the Clippers. D’Antoni initially answered that there wasn’t a chance for Bryant to play in that game, but then left the door open enough for two more weeks of questions to be asked.

Reporter: “Any chance that Kobe will be able to play in the first game against the Clippers?”

D’Antoni: “No. I don’t think so. We’ll see. I think it’s an ongoing process but that would be tough.”

The Saints have brought back a player whom they traded for last August, agreeing to a one-year deal with outside linebacker Parys Haralson. The club announced the transaction on Tuesday. Haralson (6-0, 255) played all 16